The cardiovascular system is an integral part of the human body that plays a large role in determining one’s overall health; and the heart is the biggest factor in keeping your cardiovascular system running smoothly.
History of American Heart Month
Making a Presidential Proclamation, President Lyndon B. Johnson established American Heart Month in December of 1963.
In his remarks announcing February 1964 as the first American Heart Month, President Johnson urged “the people of the United States to give heed to the nationwide problem of the heart and blood-vessel diseases, and to support the programs required to bring about its solution.” Johnson’s action marked a pivotal point in the nation’s approach to addressing cardiovascular disease.
-American College of Cardiology
Heart Disease in America
Did you know that heart disease is the leading cause of death for nearly all adult demographics living in the United States? 1 out of every 4 Americans die from heart related ailments every year (approximately 647,000 people).
Heart Disease Risk Factors*
Several other medical conditions and lifestyle choices can also put people at a higher risk for heart disease, including:
- Diabetes
- Overweight and obesity
- Unhealthy diet
- Physical inactivity
- Excessive alcohol use
There are many factors attributed to heart disease. Fortunately, there are plenty of proven ways to combat this widespread issue.
Preventing Heart Disease
There are plenty of aspects of your life you have control over pertaining to the prevention of heart disease.
Eat Healthy
Choosing to eat a combination of healthy meals and snacks can be extremely beneficial when it comes to preventing heart disease. Try to keep plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet while avoiding eating too many foods that are high in saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, and sugar.
Exercise
Maintaining a healthy regimen of physical activity not only helps to keep you in shape, it also aids in lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels. You don’t need to overexert yourself by attempting to fit all of your exercise into a single day. Making choices such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator and going on brisk walks a few times a week can add up to the amount of physical activity recommended for maintaining a healthy heart.
For adults, the Surgeon General recommends 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, like brisk walking or bicycling, every week.
Take Medicines as Prescribed
Your doctor prescribes medications for the sole purpose of maintaining or improving your health. If needed, be sure to set daily reminders in order to prevent you from forgetting to take them. Fortunately, the staff at San Simeon by the Sound is fully aware of the medications each of our residents need and make sure that they’re taken properly.
Accept a Helping Hand
At San Simeon by the Sound, our professionally trained staff helps ensure that our residents are getting all of the proper nutrition and medical help required to maintain a healthy lifestyle in comfort. We also have a multi-disciplinary team specializing in Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVAD). Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions regarding our facility or if you’d like to learn more about how we can help you live a heart healthy life.
